How to prevent roof damage during winter

As winter advances, roofs are exposed to greater risk. Due to combinations of thaw, extreme cold and periods of rain, ice and snow, layers of ice can form on roofs and prevent water from draining naturally. This can lead to water leaking into your home, and possibly cause the roof to collapse!

Indications of roof damage to watch for inside your home

Some indications are obvious! Here are a few that something serious is brewing above your head:

• creaking noises
• doors opening as if by magic
• cracks appearing on the walls

Indications of roof damage to watch for outside your home

As every skilled snow remover know, not all winter precipitation weighs the same! Your roof knows that too! Your roof is more or less at risk depending on the weight and volume of the snow and ice that has built up on it.

The diagram below shows that roofs can withstand thick snow more easily than thick ice (data based on the resistance threshold of a flat roof built after 1980).

Preventive steps

A roof that is in good condition is less likely to be damaged by heavy snow. Here are a few tips for helping your roof survive the winter in the best possible shape:

• Remove ice and snow from inside and around drains, eavestroughs and rainwater downpipes.
• Inspect the roof after every heavy snowfall.
• Have the roof inspected and then repaired if damaged

If necessary, hire a professional snow removal company to clear snow from the roofs of your house and sheds. These experts know how much snow to clear and when and how to do so.

Worried about how strong your roof is? Want to find out about what your insurance policy covers? Contact your broker to get a personalized evaluation of risks to your home and obtain the best coverage for your needs.